Wednesday, September 15, 2010

QUARANTINE ISLAND TRIP








The Envirogroup children were invited to Quarantine Island on Tuesday, to help with the St Martin Island Community planting project, to restore ecosystems and improve the habitat for wildlife. The day began with an exciting ride on a boat and the discovery of two ship-wrecks on the island.  First we walked on the island trails amongst spectacular views over the peninsula and near Port Chalmers. We explored a dramatic cave and discovered little bays hidden from view.   

Our Envirogroup planted hardy trees such as Ngaio, Cabbage trees, Whitey Wood and flaxes among others on the harsh, windy and sloping edges of the island. We felt proud that we had helped in the beginning stages of a new habitat.  Once these tough trees become established they would begin to soften the destructive power of the winds and saltwater spray and provide shelter for more fragile trees and wildlife in micro-climates.  Many hands made light work and our efforts were rewarded with a hot chocolate in the old, historic lodge, while Ken Mason told us a real pirate story.   He is a retired teacher and he taught our Macandrew Bay School World Savers the best ways to plant trees and re-pot little seedlings. 

We had contributed to the St Martin Island Community’s dream, to rebuild ecosystems and create a better environment for the wildlife. We know we are guardians of the land and we want to help look after it.  Thank you to the parent volunteers and the Envirogroup children who made this trip possible.
 

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Orokonui Enviroschools Hui






Liam Hewson, Zoe, and Britten Clarke went on an Enviroschools Hui at Orokonui Ecosanctuary.  The focus for the day was Ecological Buildings.  That means a building which works in harmony with the water and land around it, that can harness the energy from the sun and which enriches the lives of creatures, plants and people. We were inspired by the schools that shared their work on Eco Huts.  We also went to Purakanui School to see their hut that encouraged life to grow amongst it and to enjoy its presence.  
We braved the wind, rain and hail to visit the birds' habitat and examine their feeding stations. It was a very interesting day where we met super people from other Enviroschools and we heard about their fantastic Enviro-projects.  We felt so inspired.



Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Vegetable Market





At the beginning of Term 1 2010 we harvested our crops that had grown over the summer holidays.  We sold our vegetable produce in a Children's Vegetable Farmers Market.  We sold Maori potatoes and courgettes, new potatoes and lots of leafy lettuces.  Everyone was delighted.  We hope to buy a wheel barrow with the money we raised.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Courgette and Corn Fritters













We had lots of courgettes in our school garden that needed eating up, so last Friday Room 5 made some delicious Courgette and Corn Fritters. Room 5 enjoyed the help of Amanda Brown, Denise, and Shona. Some of the fritters were made with potato too. It was so yummy!